Power Query is one of the most useful data preparation tools available in Microsoft’s ecosystem, yet many users still do not realize how powerful it is or that it exists in both Excel and Power BI. In this introductory video from Pragmatic Works, Microsoft Certified Trainer Allison Gonzalez walks viewers through the basics of Power Query, showing how it can be used to connect to data, clean it up, transform it, and load it into a more usable format without requiring extensive coding knowledge.
Allison explains that Power Query first began in Excel as a way to expand what users could do with data. Excel users often need to bring in more rows, work with more complex data sources, and avoid relying on repeated formulas such as VLOOKUP. Power Query helps solve those challenges by offering a more structured and efficient approach to importing and shaping data. Over time, Microsoft carried those same capabilities into Power BI, which means users can now work with nearly the same Power Query experience in both tools.
One of the biggest takeaways from Allison’s presentation is that Power Query simplifies data cleanup. Instead of manually editing columns, writing complicated formulas, or creating repetitive logic, users can rely on a visual interface filled with buttons and guided options. Power Query supports many different connectors, making it easy to pull data from:
This flexibility allows users to work with data where it already lives, rather than forcing them to manually restructure it first. Power Query recognizes the source format and helps preserve the integrity of the data during import.
Allison begins her demonstration in Excel, where Power Query originally started. From the Data tab, users can choose Get Data and select a source such as an Excel workbook. After connecting to a file, Excel opens a Navigator window that allows users to preview available tables or worksheets before selecting the one they want to import.
Rather than loading the data immediately into Excel, Allison chooses Transform Data, which opens the Power Query Editor. Inside the editor, users can view their queries, inspect a preview of the data, and see all changes listed in the Applied Steps pane. This step-by-step history is especially important because Power Query does not use a traditional undo button. Instead, users can remove or edit previous steps directly.
She also points out an important best practice: naming queries and columns clearly. Good naming conventions make data easier to understand for both the original user and anyone else who may work with the file later.
Throughout the video, Allison introduces several practical features that make Power Query so valuable for everyday data work:
One standout example in the video is when Allison combines first and last name columns into a new full name column. Instead of writing code manually, she uses Column from Examples to type the desired result once, and Power Query fills in the rest. This is a major time saver for users who want efficient results without learning the full M language right away.
After demonstrating the process in Excel, Allison repeats the same workflow in Power BI. This comparison helps reinforce one of the central points of the video: Power Query is nearly identical in both tools. Users can connect to the same Excel workbook, select the same table, and perform the same cleanup steps using almost the same interface.
The main differences are mostly visual. In Excel, the interface uses green accents, while Power BI uses yellow accents. Some buttons are arranged slightly differently on the ribbon, but the core features remain the same. This consistency makes it much easier for Excel users to transition into Power BI or for Power BI users to feel comfortable working inside Excel.
This episode serves as an excellent starting point for anyone new to Power Query. Allison keeps the explanation practical, approachable, and focused on real usage. Rather than overwhelming viewers with advanced concepts, she shows how Power Query can improve common tasks such as selecting columns, changing data types, renaming queries, and creating custom columns.
By the end of the video, viewers can clearly see that Power Query is more than just a hidden feature. It is a powerful data transformation tool that helps users work faster, cleaner, and more confidently in both Excel and Power BI.
For learners who want to strengthen their data skills, this Pragmatic Works video is a strong introduction to one of Microsoft’s most valuable tools. It lays the groundwork for future lessons in the series while giving viewers immediate techniques they can start using in their own projects.
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